EH 141: Oral Communication
Fall 2014
Instructor: Tanya T. Sasser
Office: 116 Stone Center
Office Hours: MW 10:30-12:00, 1:00-1:30, & 3:30-4:00; TR 8:30-9:00 & 1:30-3:30
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TanyaSasser
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides study and practice in conversational English with an emphasis on the process by which ideas are interchanged orally from one person to another or to a group. The course consists of regular classroom presentations, formal speaking, and practice on individual problems with usage and articulation.
II. COURSE TEXTBOOK:
Communicate!, 14th edition, Verderber, Verderber and Sellnow, 2013
III. COURSE PREREQUISITES:
None
IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will . . .
1. Obtain and demonstrate knowledge of the historical foundations of speech and
rhetoric in the humanities.
2. Practice the specific principles of interpersonal, group, and public
communication.
3. Develop understanding of the role of verbal communication in the communication
process and demonstrate the appropriate use of Standard American English, with
particular attention to grammatical correctness, clarity of enunciation and expression,
aesthetics, and audience appeal.
4. Understand the role of nonverbal communication in the communication process and
demonstrate the effective use of different types of nonverbal communication such as
body movement, gestures, facial expression, eye contact, and paralanguage (voice
modulation, etc.) in the delivery of competent performances.
5. Improve listening skills through study and practice.
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of the impact of purpose, occasion, and
audience in speechmaking.
7. Use invention, critical thinking, or research skills to assess interpersonal
or group communication or to prepare oral assignments, such as reports or
demonstration, informative, or persuasive public speeches.
8. Practice strategies and formats for organizing focused, sequential, well developed
presentations that are logical and ethical.
9. Gain cognitive knowledge and skills in communication and lessen speaker
apprehension by successful participation in activities such as improvisation or role-
playing, creative drama, storytelling, or group or panel discussion.
10. Understand the role of speech across the curriculum.
V. LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
A. Speaking Opportunities--Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to practice public speech-making by planning, researching, developing, and delivering speeches and presentations with both informative and persuasive purposes. Formal speaking opportunities will include the following:
1. Impromptu Speech
2. Informative Speech
3. Call for Action Speech
4. Skills Demonstration
5. Team Project Interviews
6. Public Service Campaign
B. ePortfolio--You will have the opportunity to create a website that showcases your progress toward meeting both the course learning outcomes and your personal learning goals, records your reflections on communication experiences, and assesses your formal speech performances. Each page of your ePortfolio must include all required items in order to be considered completed at a Satisfactory level.
C. Self-Assessments--In order to reflect on your growth as a communicator and your progress in meeting both the course's learning outcomes and your personal learning goals, you will have the opportunity to complete nine self-assessments throughout the semester: one preliminary speaking self-assessment at the beginning of the course, one listening self-assessment, a self-assessment for each formal speaking opportunity, and one final speaking self-assessment.
D. Blog—As part of your ePorfolio, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your communication experiences, both inside and outside of class, via biweekly postings to a personal blog. The blog will consist of responses to specific prompts and reflections on class activities and speeches. The blog will allow you to make connections between the class and your personal experiences and will often help to prepare you for in-class activities and/or upcoming speaking opportunities.
E. In-class Activities, etc.--In order for this course to be successful, it is essential that you complete all reading, homework, and in-class assignments in a timely manner, as well as be an active participant in class discussions. This aspect of the course is designed to help prepare you for the major speaking opportunities and to assist you in meeting both the course objectives and your personal learning goal(s).
VI. ASSESSMENT:
The following grading scale is used in EH 141: A, B, C, D, and F. Final grades for the course will be based upon the following Contract Grading System:
A-level: An A will be guaranteed in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete 100% of all blog posts and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete the ePortfolio, including all self-assessments, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all speeches/presentations/projects, including the team interviews, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
B-level: You are guaranteed a B in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete at least 80% of all blog posts (18) and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete the ePortfolio, including all self-assessments, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all speeches/presentations/projects, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
C-level: You are guaranteed a C in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete at least 70% of all blog posts (15) and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% of the ePortfolio (4 pages), including the final self-assessment page, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% (4) of all speeches/presentations/projects, including the public service campaign, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% (3) of peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
D-level: A final grade of D may be earned for any of the following reasons:
F-level: A final grade of F will be earned for any of the following reasons:
VII. STUDENT RESPONSIBLITIES:
A. Attendance Policy—In order for this course to be successful, it is essential that every student be present at every class meeting. Departmental policy on class attendance will be followed in EH141; a student who violates this policy cannot pass the course. Current policy states that a student must be present for 75% of all class sessions in order to receive credit for the course. This means that you may miss no more than seven class meetings. This policy begins on the first day of class.
B. Tardy Policy--It is disruptive to be tardy to class, so please avoid being tardy. If you do arrive late, it is your responsibility to notify me of your attendance by handing in a dated, signed note at the end of class. Otherwise, you will be reported absent for that class. If you arrive while a speech is in progress, please wait for the speech to end before entering the classroom.
C. Make-up Policy--You may make-up missed speeches only if the absence is excused. This means you must provide documentation for the absence and complete an Excused Absence Form (which can be picked up in Stone Center 228). If I excuse the absence, you must make up your speech on the date indicated on the class schedule.
D. Civility Statement--You are expected to attend class fully prepared with appropriate materials and all devices that make noise turned to the off or silent position. I expect you to be respectful of your peers and me at all times. During speeches, please refrain from engaging in any distracting or disruptive behavior (talking, leaving/entering the room, etc.). Any student behavior deemed disruptive by the professor will result in expulsion from the classroom, with an absence for that day.
E. Mobile Internet Devices—All forms of mobile internet devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) should be used for learning purposes only. If your use of a device becomes disruptive to others, I will ask that you not use the device unless specifically instructed to do so.
F. Disabilities Accommodation Statement--Any individual who qualifies for reasonable accommodations under The Americans With Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973 should contact the teacher immediately.
G. Academic Honesty--Students found in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy as set forth in the “University Policies” section of the Student Handbook will receive an F for this course. Please be aware that plagiarism applies to both speaking and writing and is not tolerated.
H. Objectionable Material in Presentations--Speeches/class presentations must not contain profanity, offensive graphic or sexual imagery, hate speech, drug paraphernalia, weapons, or any illegal materials. If you have questions regarding the appropriateness of speech content or materials, you should discuss this with me prior to the presentation date.
Office: 116 Stone Center
Office Hours: MW 10:30-12:00, 1:00-1:30, & 3:30-4:00; TR 8:30-9:00 & 1:30-3:30
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TanyaSasser
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides study and practice in conversational English with an emphasis on the process by which ideas are interchanged orally from one person to another or to a group. The course consists of regular classroom presentations, formal speaking, and practice on individual problems with usage and articulation.
II. COURSE TEXTBOOK:
Communicate!, 14th edition, Verderber, Verderber and Sellnow, 2013
III. COURSE PREREQUISITES:
None
IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will . . .
1. Obtain and demonstrate knowledge of the historical foundations of speech and
rhetoric in the humanities.
2. Practice the specific principles of interpersonal, group, and public
communication.
3. Develop understanding of the role of verbal communication in the communication
process and demonstrate the appropriate use of Standard American English, with
particular attention to grammatical correctness, clarity of enunciation and expression,
aesthetics, and audience appeal.
4. Understand the role of nonverbal communication in the communication process and
demonstrate the effective use of different types of nonverbal communication such as
body movement, gestures, facial expression, eye contact, and paralanguage (voice
modulation, etc.) in the delivery of competent performances.
5. Improve listening skills through study and practice.
6. Demonstrate a knowledge of the impact of purpose, occasion, and
audience in speechmaking.
7. Use invention, critical thinking, or research skills to assess interpersonal
or group communication or to prepare oral assignments, such as reports or
demonstration, informative, or persuasive public speeches.
8. Practice strategies and formats for organizing focused, sequential, well developed
presentations that are logical and ethical.
9. Gain cognitive knowledge and skills in communication and lessen speaker
apprehension by successful participation in activities such as improvisation or role-
playing, creative drama, storytelling, or group or panel discussion.
10. Understand the role of speech across the curriculum.
V. LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
A. Speaking Opportunities--Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to practice public speech-making by planning, researching, developing, and delivering speeches and presentations with both informative and persuasive purposes. Formal speaking opportunities will include the following:
1. Impromptu Speech
2. Informative Speech
3. Call for Action Speech
4. Skills Demonstration
5. Team Project Interviews
6. Public Service Campaign
B. ePortfolio--You will have the opportunity to create a website that showcases your progress toward meeting both the course learning outcomes and your personal learning goals, records your reflections on communication experiences, and assesses your formal speech performances. Each page of your ePortfolio must include all required items in order to be considered completed at a Satisfactory level.
C. Self-Assessments--In order to reflect on your growth as a communicator and your progress in meeting both the course's learning outcomes and your personal learning goals, you will have the opportunity to complete nine self-assessments throughout the semester: one preliminary speaking self-assessment at the beginning of the course, one listening self-assessment, a self-assessment for each formal speaking opportunity, and one final speaking self-assessment.
D. Blog—As part of your ePorfolio, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your communication experiences, both inside and outside of class, via biweekly postings to a personal blog. The blog will consist of responses to specific prompts and reflections on class activities and speeches. The blog will allow you to make connections between the class and your personal experiences and will often help to prepare you for in-class activities and/or upcoming speaking opportunities.
E. In-class Activities, etc.--In order for this course to be successful, it is essential that you complete all reading, homework, and in-class assignments in a timely manner, as well as be an active participant in class discussions. This aspect of the course is designed to help prepare you for the major speaking opportunities and to assist you in meeting both the course objectives and your personal learning goal(s).
VI. ASSESSMENT:
The following grading scale is used in EH 141: A, B, C, D, and F. Final grades for the course will be based upon the following Contract Grading System:
A-level: An A will be guaranteed in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete 100% of all blog posts and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete the ePortfolio, including all self-assessments, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all speeches/presentations/projects, including the team interviews, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
B-level: You are guaranteed a B in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete at least 80% of all blog posts (18) and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete the ePortfolio, including all self-assessments, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all speeches/presentations/projects, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete all peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
C-level: You are guaranteed a C in the course as long as all of the following criteria are met:
• You miss no more than 7 class meetings.
• You complete at least 70% of all blog posts (15) and comments on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% of the ePortfolio (4 pages), including the final self-assessment page, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% (4) of all speeches/presentations/projects, including the public service campaign, at a Satisfactory level.
• You complete at least 70% (3) of peer assessment opportunities.
• You demonstrate a good faith effort to progress as a speaker over the course of the semester by completing your self-assessments in a timely and thorough manner and accessing and utilizing suggested resources, if needed.
D-level: A final grade of D may be earned for any of the following reasons:
- You fail to complete at least 70% of all blog posts (15) and comments on time at a Satisfactory level but all other contract criteria are met.
- You fail to complete at least 70% of the ePortfolio (4 pages), including the final self-assessment, on time and at a Satisfactory level but all other contract criteria are met.
- You fail to complete at least 70% (3) of peer assessment opportunities but all other contract criteria are met.
F-level: A final grade of F will be earned for any of the following reasons:
- You miss more than 7 class meetings.
- You fail to complete at least 70% (4) of all speeches/presentations/projects, including the public service campaign, at a Satisfactory level.
- You fail to complete at least 70% of all blog posts (15) and comments and the ePortfolio (4 pages), including the final self-assessment, on time and at a Satisfactory level.
VII. STUDENT RESPONSIBLITIES:
A. Attendance Policy—In order for this course to be successful, it is essential that every student be present at every class meeting. Departmental policy on class attendance will be followed in EH141; a student who violates this policy cannot pass the course. Current policy states that a student must be present for 75% of all class sessions in order to receive credit for the course. This means that you may miss no more than seven class meetings. This policy begins on the first day of class.
B. Tardy Policy--It is disruptive to be tardy to class, so please avoid being tardy. If you do arrive late, it is your responsibility to notify me of your attendance by handing in a dated, signed note at the end of class. Otherwise, you will be reported absent for that class. If you arrive while a speech is in progress, please wait for the speech to end before entering the classroom.
C. Make-up Policy--You may make-up missed speeches only if the absence is excused. This means you must provide documentation for the absence and complete an Excused Absence Form (which can be picked up in Stone Center 228). If I excuse the absence, you must make up your speech on the date indicated on the class schedule.
D. Civility Statement--You are expected to attend class fully prepared with appropriate materials and all devices that make noise turned to the off or silent position. I expect you to be respectful of your peers and me at all times. During speeches, please refrain from engaging in any distracting or disruptive behavior (talking, leaving/entering the room, etc.). Any student behavior deemed disruptive by the professor will result in expulsion from the classroom, with an absence for that day.
E. Mobile Internet Devices—All forms of mobile internet devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) should be used for learning purposes only. If your use of a device becomes disruptive to others, I will ask that you not use the device unless specifically instructed to do so.
F. Disabilities Accommodation Statement--Any individual who qualifies for reasonable accommodations under The Americans With Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973 should contact the teacher immediately.
G. Academic Honesty--Students found in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy as set forth in the “University Policies” section of the Student Handbook will receive an F for this course. Please be aware that plagiarism applies to both speaking and writing and is not tolerated.
H. Objectionable Material in Presentations--Speeches/class presentations must not contain profanity, offensive graphic or sexual imagery, hate speech, drug paraphernalia, weapons, or any illegal materials. If you have questions regarding the appropriateness of speech content or materials, you should discuss this with me prior to the presentation date.
Click here for a printable version of this syllabus.